GB2468549A

GB2468549A - Spherical ball and cup game

Info

Publication number: GB2468549A
Application number: GB0910789A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Reeves
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-09
Filing date: 2009-06-23
Publication date: 2010-09-15
Also published as: GB0903922D0; GB0910789D0

Abstract

A game comprises a transparent sphere 1, 2 containing a ball 3. A number of cups having varying sizes are provided around the interior of the sphere, and the game is played by manipulating the sphere to move the ball from cup to cup in a desired sequence. Means are provided for sequentially illuminating the cups to define the sequence, and a timing unit 4 is provided for recording the time taken to move the ball between each cup, and the time taken to complete the entire sequence of cups. The puzzle may be played in two modes, a practise or 'routine' anode, and a world record challenge mode, and the timing unit uses an algorithm to generate a code which validates world record attempts in conjunction with a related internet site. There are preferably up to 12 cups, each having contacts or sensor switches for detecting entrance and exit of the ball. A particular cup may have a side entrance for permitting entry of the ball at the start of the game. The world record challenge mode may use a programmed random sequence of up to 40 cups with a weighted skill rating.

Description

The Dominator -Toy/Game

Background

Toys and entertainment products have evolved radically over the years with electronics playing a major role in toy development. There have been a number of very successful games/toys over the years but very few with world record capabilities, this invention aims to provide such a facility.

Detailed Description

The Dominator is a sophisticated device aimed at the toy/puzzle industry that combines the need for skilful dexterity with complex electronics including a full internet back-up and registration service. A sealed spherical electronic game made from plastic(Ref:Dom-03) with a small metaL/rubber ball enclosed inside. (Ref: Dom- 10). The sphere contains up to 12 clear cups of various sizes that light up electronically when activated. (Ref: Dom-04). On the outside of the sphere is an electronic timer (Ref:Dom-12) with buttons with options to select various cycle times for completing the game. The Dominator battery is rechargeable using a recharge unit (Ref: Dom-05) To begin a cycle the metal/rubber ball needs to begin within the start cup. The start cup is different in design from all other cups in that it is a half cup in shape allowing the metal/rubber ball to enter the cup. Having selected a cycle option of PRC (Practise routine challenge) or WRC (World record challenge) the ball needs to be moved from the start cup to the next cup indicated by a flashing electronic LED. To move the metal/rubber ball the sphere has to be rotated to the correct angle thus allowing the metal/rubber ball to fall from one cup to the other. Should the ball fail to fall directly into the designated cup within the pre-programmed time limit, the timer will stop and the cycle needs to be restarted? The timer is activated as soon as the metal/rubber ball leaves the start cup. The time period allowed between cups is set electronically within a specified time tolerance of the minimum time period plus a 10% allowance that the transfer between two cups could occur. Should the metal/rubber ball fail to reach the intended cup within the time period allowed the timer will stop and the cycle will need to be repeated from the start.

Components and functions.

* Capture cups -each cup is activated by an electronic LED light which will flash to indicate which cup the metal/rubber ball needs to land in next with a cycle.

* There are up to 12 various sized cups contained within the sphere with electronic sensors to indicate when the metal/rubber ball exits and enters a cup.

* The sphere is made from clear plastic material.

* An electronic timer with a button to select up to 40 cups in sequence is attached to the sphere.

* The timer will stop once a complete cycle has been successfully completed.

* The timer will begin once the metallrubber ball leaves the start cup.

* The electronics will monitor the time between cups with a time limit preset between cups.

* A rechargeable battery is used to power the electronics.

* The timer is programmed with a secret algorithm used in conjunction with the dominator internet site to record world record attempts.

* Electronic connections between cups and timer are internally placed inside the sphere.

* Recharge unit -device used to recharge the dominator battery.

Claims

Claims.1. A toy/game comprising of a clear plastic spherical shape unit containing up to 12 various sized electronic capture cups and a small metallrubber ball.
2. A toy/game that requires skilful manipulation of a small metal/rubber ball to be moved between the capture cups in the fastest time.
3. A toy/game device with an electronic timer and a button used to select either a practise routine cycle (PRC) or a world record cycle.(WRC)
4. A toy/game device with an external timer that is programmed to display a world record time and a secret code which is to be used in conjunction with the associated website for the game should a world record cycle be completed successfully.
5. A toy/game with a timer programmed with a secret algorithm for displaying
6. A toy/game device that contains up to 12 various sized capture cups with each cup being electronically designed to indicate successful routine cycle completion.
7. A toy/game device with up to 12 various sized capture cups with electronic contact/sensor switches.
8. A toy/game device that contains up to 12 various sized capture cups with each cup being electronically designed to indicate which cup is next in the sequence by using led pulsating lights.
9. A toy/game with a starter cup, designed to allow the metallrubber ball to enter from the side of the cup in order to start a new cycle.
10. A toy/game device that is electronically configured to time the cycles and periods between each cup.
11. A toy/game programmed with a random cycle function for world record time attempts.
12. A toy/game programmed to ensure all random cycles are weighted with the same skill rating this weighting is based on distance between cups and size of each cup.
13. A toy/game device that is a sealed unit and is powered by a rechargeable battery.
14. A toy/game device that is re-charged using a portable charging unit.
15. A toy/game that is designed to light up all cups in conjunction with an audible alarm sound stating that a world record attempt has been achieved successfl.illy.